Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area is located in the state of California and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Summary
The park is situated around the Millerton Lake, which is a man-made lake created by the construction of the Friant Dam on the San Joaquin River.
One of the main reasons to visit Millerton Lake State Recreation Area is for the numerous outdoor activities available. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and picnicking. There are also several designated areas for swimming and water skiing.
In terms of specific points of interest, visitors can explore the San Joaquin River Trail, which offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding hills. The park is also home to several campsites, including primitive campsites for those who prefer a more rustic experience.
Interesting facts about the area include that the Millerton Lake was created in 1942 and covers over 4,500 acres. The park is also home to several endangered species, including the San Joaquin kit fox and the blunt-nosed leopard lizard.
The best time of year to visit Millerton Lake State Recreation Area is in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. Summers can be hot and crowded, while winters can be chilly with occasional rain.
Overall, Millerton Lake State Recreation Area offers a wide range of outdoor activities and scenic views, making it a popular destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Dumma Strand Loop Camp Ground (73-84)
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Millerton Lake State Rec Area
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PG&E Campground
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Smalley Cove
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Big Table Mountain Ecological Reserve
Lost Lake Recreation Area
Deauville Park
Selma Layne Park